Florida Atlantic offense showing some life as it prepares to face rival Florida International

Despite an 18-point loss to Arkansas State Saturday, Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger saw something to be optimistic about entering Saturday’s game at FIU.

FAU scored 21 points Saturday, its second highest point total this season, and seven more than it had in its first two home games. The Owls even held a lead – albeit for less than four minutes – for the first time in its new home. The Owls lead 21-18 early in the second half.
FAU’s 281 yards of total offense was its most since gaining 334 at North Texas a month ago. That offense will be tested for a second straight week. FIU is second in the Sun Belt in points allowed (21.2 per game) and third in yards allowed (347.4 yards)

“We played somewhat better than we have the last two weeks,” Schnellenberger said Monday. “We got some improvement from the quarterback position. Graham (Wilbert) had an improved game, the stats were better he moved the ball and scored some points.

“We’re improving. We have high morale on the team we have a good group that has kept the faith.”

Schnellenberger was asked more about the morale when a team is 0-8 and has not won a football game in a year.

“It’s very difficult to keep your morale high when you’re going through what we’re going through,” he said. “I’m pleased with how hard they are trying. It’s a very difficult thing to experience and handle.”